In our homes, we can be so consumed by the ever-growing list of household chores that we forget to clean the items that do the cleaning for us. When you think about it, when was the last time you gave your washing machine a proper scrub?

We expect our washing machines to keep our clothes dirt-free and smelling nice, but it is hard for it to do so without being clean itself. An expert has revealed a quick and easy way to look after your washing machine by giving it a deep-clean. Jack Callaghan, known to his 1.4 million TikTok followers as @jack.designs, explained that you should start by removing the filter and detergent tray and giving these a proper clean with some dish soap and water.

Next, spray some white vinegar in the filter and detergent tray compartments. Let it sit, then give it a good scrub with a sonic scrubber or an old toothbrush.

For your machine’s rubber seal, generously spray white vinegar before placing some microfibre clothes in there and leaving for up to an hour, Jack said.

White vinegar can be used on the door and hinges, he explained, and you should then run a hot cycle with either white vinegar, soda crystals, or a washing machine service cleaner. This will help your machine to smell “fresh and good as new”. Jack also recommended leaving the detergent drawer and load door open slightly after a wash to let the moisture out.

You should try to deep-clean your washing machine using this method every one-to-three months, Jack said, adding: "Your clothes will thank you."

“I love white vinegar and use it pretty much without fail every-time I do a reset. It’s such an effective natural cleaner, plus very affordable,” the cleaning expert said. It can be used as a 10-minute soak for metal plugs to remove water marks and scum, and can be sprayed on stainless steel, glass, or mirrors for a streak-free finish.

White vinegar can also work as a natural fabric softener without leaving your laundry smelling strongly. For a shiny dishwasher, you could place a good amount in a dish then put your machine on a hot wash - this will also neutralise odours. You should try to clean your dishwasher every 30 days to make sure it's in "tip-top shape", Jack explained.

An incredibly popular home-cleaning tool, white vinegar can dissolve limescale and grease. It is a great alternative to harsher chemical products, but while it has antibacterial properties, it shouldn't be used as a disinfectant against diseases like Covid-19, cleaning brand Purdy and Figg explained.

When using white vinegar to clean you should make sure not to mix it with a base like bicarbonate of soda as the two will react together and the result will be a useless mixture that won't be good for cleaning. "You should also avoid mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide and bleach; these combinations will create highly toxic and corrosive solutions," the brand stated.